After eight years of research and writing my new book Rise and Kill First is being published today.
The book includes never-before-reported, behind-the-curtain accounts of key operations, along with hundreds of on-the-record interviews (I met with some 1,000 sources in 20 countries) and thousands of files to which I obtained exclusive access.
It is a history of the Mossad and the Israeli intelligence community from the time of the founding of the first Zionist armed force, in the hut of one of the pioneers in 1907, up until the book went to copy editing in September 2017.
The book traces, from statehood to the present, the gripping events and thorny ethical questions underlying Israel’s targeted killing campaign and special operations, which have profoundly affected the Israeli nation, the Middle East, and the entire world.
I was fortunate enough to receive a number of very favorable blurbs from people whom I greatly respect. Perhaps the most surprising line comes from Tamir Prado, the Mossad director until 2016: “Bergman’s ability to reach sources inside Western intelligence communities is amazing (and, I must say, also a little disturbing).” (All the blurbs and reviews to be found on the Random House Page)
Regrettably, Random House could not supply a free copy to everyone on this mailing list, but I’d be very happy if you read the book and give me your thoughts about it.
Here’s the link to the Amazon page for the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Kill-First-Targeted-Assassinations/dp/1400069718
And Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-and-kill-first-ronen-bergman/1126367476?ean=9781400069712#/
Ronen –
A huge train explosion killed dozens in the North Korean city of Ryongchon near the Chinese border in April 2004. Although the official North Korean version of events which described this as nothing more than an industrial accident, one rumor is that this was a successful Israeli covert attack involving an Israeli spy who entered North Korea using a stolen Canadian passport in order to kill many Syrian nuclear technicians who perished in the explosion along with vital missile components. You have talked openly about the assassination of scientists in Iran and the chilling effect this had on Iran’s nuclear program. We also know that Israel has attacked North Korean projects underway in Syria in the past involving Syrian nuclear assets.
The NY Times reported in 2004 –
“The train explosion, which the North Korean government characterized as an accident, leveled the densely populated core of Ryongchon, a small city of about 20,000 people near the Chinese border. The blast flattened 1,850 homes and damaged 6,350 more, and rained debris for miles around. The official casualty toll, which is expected to climb over the weekend, was 54 dead and 1,249 injured as of Friday, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Beijing. Original reports on Thursday said an estimated 3,000 people had been killed or injured .
“In Pyongyang, the capital, North Korean officials told aid workers that the explosion was set off when railroad workers mishandled electric power connectors over a freight train, showering sparks onto a car loaded with dynamite.
Do you know if Mossad blew up this train?
Thanks
Peter J. Brown
Provincetown MA USA
Hello,
I’m Ramann Mantha and I reside in Houston, Texas, United States. I just completed reading Dr. Bergman’s latest release “Rise and Kill First” and I’d like to congratulate him on such a fascinating book. In fact, I’ve been following Dr. Bergman’s lectures for about two years now and I must confess that I’m a very big fan of his works. I’ve even read his 2011 account of “The Secret War with Iran” and his numerous articles and commentary in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
I’ve tried very hard to meet him in person in New York and get my copy of “Rise and Kill First” signed and autographed by him, but my attempts proved futile. I’d be really honoured to have him sign my book. Is there any possibility that he could sign or send me a signed copy ? I really admire his work and would consider it an esteemed privilege to possess a signed copy of his latest publication.
My Book of the Year-2018! For the second edition I suggest a list of persons, and a chronology.
Thank you very much for the kind words. I’ve forwarded your suggestion to Random House
sorry, I forgot my signature: Strasbourg, France
Thank you very much for the kind words. Unfortunately I can not add any new information about this published about Robert Maxwell, I find it difficult to believe that there is someone who solved the mystery
I saw you interviewed by Farid Zaccariah and discovered that our local library (Wellington, New Zealand) has your book, but that I would have to go on a waiting list. I thought you might be interested to know that your work has reached these distant shores and is finding readers here.
NZ society is very anti Israel these days. The Maaori also lost their land, and people here see the Palestinian situation through the same lense of colonialism.
.
My turn has arrived and I am half way through your book. Both shocked and unsurprised. I am grateful because I needed to know, but also saddened, upset even.
I lived in Israel in the 60s/70s for 11 years, through 2 wars.
In appreciation,
NC
Thank you very much, it is great to think that in such a remote place from where the book was written, and the events described have occurred, some readers find it interesting.
Dear Mr. Bergman,
Here is a link to a review of Rise and Kill First.
Regards,
Michael
http://michaelgkarnavas.net/blog/2018/05/29/book-review-rise-and-kill-first/
Thank You.
Buongiorno…
Volevo solo una informazione
il testo verrà tradotto in lingua italiana e commercializzato in Italia..? Se la risposta è affermativa quando uscirà in talia
Complimenti di Cuore..Buona giornata.
Ci stiamo lavorando. Spero accada presto.
Thank you for writing this book. It is both educative and exciting. And your style of writing with brevity serves as an example to all writers.
Thank you very much for your support and interest.
Dear Ronen,
I would like to know if a french version will be edited in 2019 .
It would be easier for me to understand because I have heard only good things about your book investigation .
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply .
Definitely.
Where can I obtain a Hebrew version of this book? I live in the US. Thanks.
We still work on the Hebrew edition. maybe in six months it will be ready
Ronen – I just received the great compliment of having my computer and notes stolen from “Rise and Kill First” – second time my notes/work have been stolen.. Have to re-do. Is there a place where I can buy a PDF of the book? Easier to search it this way. You are welcome to visit my FB page “Real Time Research – As it Happens.” You will see quotes from RAKF. Thank you Ronen. Liz Peel Los Angeles
Theres a kindle version on Amazon